Argentinas Livestock Industry Faces Hardships

The South American countrys livestock business is shrinking due to health, economic, and environmental factors.

Argentina was once known for its booming livestock industry, but recent reports indicate that the cow business is in decline while vegetarianism is garnering popular appeal. According to a recent article by German media outlet Deutsche Welle, in 1958, Argentina’s beef consumption per capita was almost 100 kilograms per year, but now that number has fallen to 60 kilograms per year, and approximately 10 years ago, 2.2 million animals were sold annually at the famous marketplace Mercado de Liniers, but in 2012 that number was reduced to 1.3 million. Some Argentinians see the new veg-centric trend as positive, noting the health and environmental benefits it yields. “I think we are rediscovering what our ancestors used to eat a few centuries ago, and it’s very simple, and it’s very wise,” says Diego Castro, the owner of Argentina’s first raw, vegan restaurant, to DW.